Evan Moore Likes 3 Schools

Back in July, two-sport star Evan Moore told Rivalshoops.com that his top three schools were Stanford, Southern Cal and UCLA.

He repeated the same thing in a telephone interview in August, so it was no surprise on Sunday night when Moore told Rivalshoops.com that those three schools remain atop his wish list.

But the dynamics of Moore's recruitment appear to be changing quickly, and an October decision may loom on the horizon.

Moore, a husky and mobile 6-6, 235 pound power forward from Brea Olinda H.S. in Brea, Calif., will take an unofficial visit to Stanford on Oct. 12 for the Cardinal's game against Washington State.

Of the top three schools on his list, he hasn't had a chance to visit Stanford for a game. Being in Southern California, he's already had a chance to take in UCLA (vs. Colorado State) and USC's (vs. Auburn) home openers, and will be at UCLA's home game against Colorado this weekend.

So really, the only missing piece that Moore needs to make a decision is a trip to Stanford, as he is likely to select one of the three PAC 10 programs atop his list.

"I like USC a lot -- the energy at their first game was incredible," Moore said. "With Stanford, it's a great school and the reputation athletically, but I just haven't seen a game up there."

"I've been to both UCLA and USC for games, so I am going up there to see if it's the same kind of thing," Moore continued. "I know it's crazy basketball wise, and I am sure it's somewhat similar for football, but I will see next month."

California has made a late push to get in with Evan, and he's still listing Utah and Arizona State among his prospective schools. Utah Head Coach Rick Majerus will visit with Moore in California on Sept. 26.

But a mid-October decision would almost spell certain doom for those three programs.

"Initially, I wanted to make a decision before my senior year even started," Moore said. "But I didn't have all of the material to make a decision."

"I want to go up to Stanford and see a game, so that's the thing that's holding me back right now," Moore continued. "I know what both L.A. schools are like, so after my Stanford trip, I don't see the point in waiting any longer."

Moore just started his football season on Friday at Brea Olinda H.S., and it got off to a rousing start with an easy 42-6 victory over Buena Park. He hauled down four receptions for 85 yards and two touchdowns, playing only a half (Brea Olinda enjoyed 35-6 lead at the break) in the blowout.

Moore plans on signing a football scholarship and then walking on to play basketball once his gridiron campaign ends.

He's been particularly impressed with Stanford's efforts by both its football and basketball staffs.

"It's a combination decision, and Coach Teevens and Montgomery have met and discussed the situation," Moore said. "Coach Montgomery has talked about me red-shirting my freshman year of football so that I can play basketball, which would allow me to be a part of the basketball team and that sets you up for your career there. Coach Teevens understands that playing both sports is really important to me, and he's behind that 100 percent."

Stanford Head Coach Mike Montgomery will be in town on the 17th to visit with Moore.